Crisis Advocate & Counselor

About the Role

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full‑time professional to join our team as a Crisis Advocate and Counselor, providing critical intervention and support services to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This position delivers immediate support through medical and legal accompaniments, crisis intervention, hotline counseling, emergency shelter support, advocacy, and assistance with emergency protection orders, as well as short‑term, empowerment‑based individual and group counseling services.

Pay

Starting salary $24/hr. The position includes compensated on‑call responsibilities.

Schedule

37.5 hours per week. Available shifts: Tuesday – Saturday 8 am‑4 pm; Sunday – Thursday 8 am‑4 pm.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis intervention needs through hotline calls, walk‑ins, accompaniments, and crisis coverage for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their non‑offending others.
• Provide individual and group counseling, advocacy, referrals, crisis outreach, and follow‑up services.
• Maintain an assigned counseling caseload and complete timely, accurate client documentation, case notes, and required reports.
• Provide shelter and support services, including intakes, room inspections, activities, and events.
• Facilitate support groups and assist with volunteer and new staff training as needed.
• Provide overnight, holiday, and occasional evening crisis coverage as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all YWCA policies, procedures, and individualized work expectations.
• Support community awareness initiatives, prevention education, and domestic violence and sexual assault awareness activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, trainings, and other departmental activities.
• Provide administrative and program support, including data entry, filing, and other duties required to support VIP/VOCA programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, or a related field; or an Associate’s degree with two years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience providing advocacy, social work, human services, or other supportive services.
• Reliable vehicle for travel within Dauphin and Perry Counties and a valid driver’s license (vehicle for employee transport only; mileage reimbursed).
• Current FBI, Child Abuse, and State Police clearances.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Pension retirement plan – eligibility after two years of service.
• 403(b) retirement plan – contributions begin on day one.
• Generous paid time off – vacation and sick days.
• Eleven paid holidays.